These “Taking Charge—Advanced Advocacy 2.0” workshops came about after the League received many requests from community groups and local individuals for both daytime and evening training sessions, said Marlene Lobberecht, an issue chairwoman with the League who works with early childhood issues.
“For the last several years, more and more people are wanting to become active in making their voice[s] heard regarding public policy,” Lobberecht said. “Everyone I have heard from has a specific issue that is frustrating them personally and/or their famil[ies].”
Issues range from public education funding to health care, pensions, MUDs and transportation, she said. While issues vary, the strategies to accomplish goals are similar.
Classes will focus on tips for making contact with local legislators, what to say over the phone or in an email, preparing questions and statements for in-person meetings and making visits to the Capitol in Austin.
Lobberecht said common questions she hears include:
- Is it worth the time and effort to email, call or visit my legislator?
- What are the basic steps to follow when going to the capital—from traffic and parking to every encounter leading up to the office or hearing room?
- How can we follow the progress of legislative bills?
- What's effective when we can't make the trip to Austin? What doesn’t work?
“Overall, it really is about connecting with people and establishing individual legislator relationships,” she said. “Plus, listening, responding or requesting assistance as issues or bills come forward.”
Lobberecht has served as an issue chair with the League for 10 years and she has also composed a free advocacy guide, which is used in public policy settings. She has testified at legislative hearings, written a weekly blog on early childhood education legislation, mentored other organizations, conducted local forums and visited the Capitol frequently.
The League, which organized a Cy-Fair branch in 2015, is a nonpartisan volunteer group of both men and women. Their mission is to encourage informed and active participation in local, state and national government, Lobberecht said. Members provide advocacy training and resources on their website.
The following events are free and open to the public:
Monday, March 20
10-11:30 a.m. at La Madeleine, 19710 Hwy. 290, Houston
Wednesday, March 29
7-8:30 p.m. at Juergen’s Hall, 26026 Hempstead Road, Cypress
